The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a zero-tolerance policy for drug related offences and the presence of drugs in the blood stream counts as possession. However, the county’s law-enforcement have highlighted that customs inspectors require additional training to prevent drug smuggling operations.

According to Gulf News, in 2017 there were 515 drug dealers and a further 1,235 drug-related suspects detained for drug trafficking in the country. An additional 4,689 drug addicts were arrested, with drug-related arrests increasing by 121% in Dubai.

With social media outlets being used more frequently to sell and purchase drugs, Lt General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai has called for tougher revisions in narcotic laws. “Drug addiction starts between age 12 and 18. Our teenagers are in danger because of illegal drugs and we need to modify the narcotic law in line with new changes, and combat drugs on social media. Judges need to issue tougher penalties on drug dealers too”. These changes would punish anyone wiring money to drug dealers outside of the UAE.